What was your jersey number with Hartford United?
#6
Where are you currently playing and what position(s) are you playing?
I am currently playing at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and I play the wing-striker position.
Do you have a goal to play professional soccer after college?
No I don’t think so, once college is over I don’t think I will play competitively anymore.
Do you plan to coach once your playing career is over?
That is something I would definitely look into doing!
Were you excited or nervous to join HUSC?
I was very nervous my very first year joining HUSC, but they turned out being some of the most memorable years of my life! I learned so much and had such a great time too.
Any memories of the transition to HUSC that you can share for new players joining us?
I was so nervous and shy I didn’t talk to anyone. I was afraid to make mistakes or try anything new in practices / games. However, all of my teammates and coaches made me feel so welcomed and wanted that it made the transition a lot easier!
If you could meet up with one HUSC coach for breakfast who would it be and why?
It would be Jim Schrot. He took me in under his wing and believed in me when I definitely didn’t believe in myself. He has taught me more about the game of soccer than anyone else, and has definitely shaped me into the player I am today. Without his guidance and support I don’t think I would even be playing college soccer or be at the level I am right now.
If you had to do it all over again, is there anything that you would do different?
I would try to tell myself when I was younger that it’s okay to fail and make mistakes, it’s all part of the game. And I also wished I wasn’t so shy!
What was most important to you in your development as a player with Hartford United SC?
Becoming more confident in myself. I am my own biggest critic and that was really hard for me to overcome back then. But as I continued to play at HUSC I believe in myself more and became a lot more confident in my play which is huge. You can’t be the best on the field if you don’t believe you are, so overcoming that was my most important development as a player.
What is your proudest accomplishment with Hartford United SC?
Just being able to play at such a high level of competition, and then also being able to win almost all of the tournaments and games we played in was always an amazing feeling. Knowing that all the hard work you put in really does pay off was always really rewarding to me!
What advice would you give current players as they set goals in hopes of playing at the college level?
Believe in yourself, work really hard, and don’t let anyone tell you no! I had the best support in the world from both my mom and dad, who supported me and helped my endlessly to achieve my dreams of being able to play college soccer. I also had great coaches and teammates that did the same. Surrounding yourself with people who want you to succeed is as much as you do is one of the best ways of achieving your goals! Also, don’t give up when things seem bad, there’s always going to be bad days, but there are always good days too that make it all worth it.
